All Posts

Every Phoenix Bonds post in one place.

Browse the full library of insights, development updates, home loan guidance, and practical property finance articles.

Filters 74 articles
Category
All posts Buyer Education Hub Property Practitioner Hub Property Economy Developments
Archive
Tags
Filter posts by tag

Why SA Home Loans Used JIBAR - and What Changes With ZARONIA in 2026

Most South African homebuyers are familiar with bonds priced off the Repo rate - the benchmark used by traditional banks. But SA Home Loans (SAHL), one of the country's biggest non-bank lenders, historically priced its bonds off JIBAR instead.

Read article ->

Why Most Prequalification Certificates Are Useless - And How To Get One That Matters

For many buyers, the first step in house hunting is getting a prequalification certificate. Estate agents love them because they "prove" a buyer can afford a property. Sellers like them because they reduce the risk of wasted time.

Read article ->

Why It’s Easier to Get a Car Loan Than a Home Loan in South Africa

Understanding the bank's risk, repossession rules, and what this means for homebuyers

Read article ->

Renovation & Building Loans: What Banks Really Look At Before Approving Your Funding

Planning a major renovation or extension can be one of the most exciting stages of homeownership. Whether you're creating extra space for a growing family, modernising a tired kitchen, or adding a flatlet for rental income, renovations can significantly improve your quality of life and your property's value.

Read article ->

Why Buyers Go Silent – And What That Really Means

If you've been in real estate for any amount of time, you've probably experienced it:

Read article ->

Declined for a Home Loan? It’s Not the End - Introducing the "Buyer Readiness Program"

Many South Africans walk out of a bank - or open an email - and feel that horrible sinking feeling:

Read article ->

When paperwork crosses the line - why a SAFPS fraud listing can wreck your credit for years

At Phoenix Bonds we often help clients clean up, explain and package complicated financial records so lenders can properly assess income from freelancing, commissions, foreign salaries and other non-standard sources. That work is lawful and valuable.

Read article ->

South Africa Officially Off the Grey List - What It Means for Homebuyers and Investors

It's official - South Africa has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, marking a major turnaround for the country's financial reputation.

Read article ->

Reckless Lending – What It Is and Why Banks Are So Scared of It

When it comes to home loans and credit, few terms make banks more nervous than reckless lending.

Read article ->

The Three Levels of Default – and How They Affect Your Home Loan

When it comes to your credit profile, not all defaults are created equal.

Read article ->

Understanding Area Risk Classification – What It Really Means for Homebuyers

When buyers hear that a suburb or complex has been classified as a "high-risk area" by a bank, they often assume it has something to do with crime, safety, or the physical condition of the homes in the neighbourhood.

Read article ->

What is AI and How Can Real Estate Professionals Use It?

The world is changing fast - and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the biggest drivers of that change. For many real estate agents, AI can feel like a big, technical concept. But at its core, AI simply means using smart technology to save time, work more efficiently, and connect better with clients.

Read article ->